Locked On Mets - Daily Podcast On The New York Mets

New York Mets signal a youth movement as President David Stearns opens the door wide open for Carson Benge to be the Mets Opening Day center fielder.   Could Benge’s rapid ascent and elite potential reshape the Mets’ future?   Host Ryan Finkelstein explores bold declarations from the GM meetings, discussing Stearns’ confidence in Brett Baty at third base and the shifting plans for prospects like J...

The New York Mets could be eyeing a blockbuster move as Ketel Marte hits the trade block, potentially slotting between Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto in a dream lineup.   The Arizona Diamondbacks' All-Star second baseman, who finished third in MVP voting in 20234, brings elite production at a discount—$92 million remaining through 2030 represents exceptional value for baseball's best at his positi...

The New York Mets' defensive struggles in 2024 weren't just about Pete Alonso at first base—the real culprit was Mark Vientos at third, who posted the worst defensive metrics relative to playing time.   This episode breaks down where the Mets' run prevention truly failed and reveals surprising solutions for the offseason. Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes defensive metrics across the roster, exposing...

The Pete Alonso free agency rumors are swirling again, but are the New York Mets really planning to let their franchise cornerstone walk?   Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down a Sports Illustrated report claiming the Mets want a clubhouse culture shift by trading Jeff McNeil and letting Alonso leave unless he accepts a team-friendly deal. The problem? The source is a rival NL scout, not anyone insid...

Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the New York Mets' top 10 prospects, revealing a farm system as strong as any in Major League Baseball.   Nolan McLean leads the rankings after his dominant 2.06 ERA debut and stands as the favorite for NL Rookie of the Year in 2026, potentially earning the Mets a valuable prospect promotion incentive draft pick. The analysis covers elite talents like Carson Benge...

The New York Mets face critical roster decisions as MLB free agency officially opens, with Edwin Diaz receiving a qualifying offer that could reshape the closer market.   The $22.025 million QO complicates Diaz's free agency while potentially securing draft pick compensation for the Mets if he signs elsewhere.   Meanwhile, the starting pitcher market presents challenges, as top arms like Franber V...

The New York Mets lost first base coach Antoan Richardson to their division rival Atlanta Braves, along with pitching coach Jeremy Hefner—a double blow that has the fanbase reeling.   Richardson, architect of the Mets' historically efficient base-stealing operation in 2024, couldn't reach contract terms with New York despite mutual interest.   Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down exclusive reporting...

The New York Mets and Chicago White Sox could be headed for a blockbuster trade centered around center fielder Luis Robert Jr., who just had his $20 million option picked up.   With the Mets searching for a center field solution while waiting for top prospect Carson Benge, Robert emerges as a high-upside target despite two injury-plagued seasons that have complicated his trade value. Host Ryan Fin...

The New York Mets face critical offseason decisions with Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz both entering free agency.   Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down detailed contract predictions for both players, proposing a five-year, $150 million deal for Alonso with strategic deferred money that could lower the luxury tax hit.   For closer Edwin Diaz, who just opted out of his contract, a four-year, $80 million...

The MLB offseason kicks into high gear as the New York Mets face critical roster decisions that will shape their 2025 campaign.   With Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz hitting free agency, the franchise must navigate qualifying offers, non-tender candidates, and Rule 5 draft protections while managing a crowded 40-man roster. Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down essential offseason dates, from the November...

The Los Angeles Dodgers captured their second consecutive World Series title in a dramatic Game 7 thriller, but the Toronto Blue Jays proved this championship team was far from invincible.   Despite boasting four ace pitchers and a star-studded roster featuring Shohei Ohtani and Freddie Freeman, the Dodgers needed heroics from unlikely sources like Miguel Rojas and a legendary performance from Yos...

The New York Mets face critical offseason decisions that will shape their 2025 championship aspirations.   With the World Series wrapping up, the real work begins for the Mets front office as they navigate a complex roster puzzle with both veteran stars and emerging prospects. Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the essential checklist: re-signing or replacing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz tops the lis...

Mark Vientos' future with the New York Mets hangs in the balance after a disappointing 2025 season.   The third baseman who dazzled in the 2024 playoffs with five home runs now finds himself potentially on the trade block, raising questions about whether the Mets should cash in on his remaining value or bet on his upside. Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down Vientos' roller-coaster tenure with the Me...

Jeff McNeil's future with the New York Mets hangs in the balance as he enters the final year of his four-year, $50 million contract.  Once a batting champion and All-Star, McNeil has regressed to league-average production, raising questions about his $15.75 million salary and roster fit.  Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down McNeil's trade value, potential landing spots, and whether the Mets should k...

The New York Mets shake up their coaching staff, with Troy Snitker joining as the new hitting coach and Antoan Richardson departing as first base coach.   This episode of Locked On Mets digs into the implications of these changes for the team's 2026 season. Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes Snitker's track record with the Houston Astros and how he might collaborate with Jeff Albert to boost the Mets'...

Brett Baty emerges as the potential long-term solution at third base for the New York Mets. The 26-year-old's impressive 2025 season, particularly his strong second-half performance, positions him as the frontrunner for the starting role in 2026.   Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes Baty's offensive and defensive metrics, comparing him to other third basemen and exploring his future potential.   The e...

World Series Showdown: Dodgers vs. Blue Jays - Who Will Reign Supreme?   The Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays face off in an unexpected World Series matchup. Can the Blue Jays' complete team challenge the Dodgers' powerhouse lineup? Key discussions include team strengths, payroll disparities, and the impact of high-spending franchises on MLB. The hosts analyze starting pitching, bullpen s...

Chris Suero and Nick Morabito are tearing it up in the Arizona Fall League, showcasing their potential as future Mets stars. The podcast dives into their impressive performances, with Morabito hitting .387 and stealing 8 bases, while Suero has blasted 3 home runs in 8 games.   Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes where these prospects fit in the Mets' farm system and future plans.   The episode also pro...

The New York Mets' starting rotation needs an ace, but the free agent market offers limited options. This episode breaks down potential targets, including Framber Valdez, Dylan Cease, and Zack Gallen.   Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes each pitcher's recent performance and contract situations, weighing the risks of long-term commitments.   The show explores alternative strategies, such as trading fo...

The Mets face a critical decision in center field for 2026. With limited external options, top prospect Carson Benge emerges as a potential solution.   Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes trade targets like Luis Robert and free agents like Cody Bellinger, but ultimately sees Benge as the best fit.   The 22-year-old impressed in Double-A and could compete for the starting job in spring training. Finkels...

The Milwaukee Brewers are poised to trade Freddy Peralta this offseason, and the New York Mets should aggressively pursue him as their new ace.   Peralta's impressive 2.70 ERA and 200+ strikeouts make him a prime target for the Mets' rotation. Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down Peralta's potential impact, comparing him to other trade candidates like Sandy Alcantara and Joe Ryan.   The episode explo...

Tarik Skubal's potential trade to the Mets ignites speculation.   Host Ryan Finkelstein explores the Tigers' dilemma: maximize their ace's value or risk losing him to free agency.   Analyzing recent trades of star pitchers, Finkelstein proposes potential packages, weighing prospects like Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat against MLB-ready talent like David Peterson.   The episode delves into the Mets'...

Shohei Ohtani's historic performance propels the Dodgers to World Series dominance. This episode of Locked On Mets dissects the Dodgers' postseason supremacy and its implications for the New York Mets.   Host Ryan Finkelstein analyzes Ohtani's three-homer, 10-strikeout game and the Dodgers' formidable rotation featuring Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow.   The discussion shifts to...

Could the New York Mets land Joe Ryan as their new ace?   This episode explores potential trade scenarios between the Mets and Minnesota Twins. Host Ryan Finkelstein breaks down the Twins' payroll situation, roster needs, and valuable trade assets.   He analyzes how players like Mark Vientos, Jeff McNeil, and top prospects could factor into a deal for Ryan or Pablo Lopez. Finkelstein compares the...

Sandy Alcantara trade rumors heat up as the Mets explore options to bolster their rotation. This episode breaks down potential trade packages, including Ronny Mauricio and Jacob Reimer as key pieces.   The Marlins' perspective on trading their ace is examined, along with their roster needs and financial considerations. Jeff McNeil emerges as a surprising trade chip that could sweeten the deal.   T...